Analysts think Sony’s onto a winner with new virtual reality headset
Aside from the price, tech analysts say the fact that the PlayStation VR works into the 40 million PlayStation 4s already sold is a huge advantage
Sony’s relatively cheaper, premium offering might swing the momentum in its favour as the battle in the virtual reality (VR) space intensifies, according to analysts.
On Thursday, the Japanese electronics maker launched the much anticipated VR headset for its PlayStation 4 gaming console, called the PlayStation VR (PS VR). Its suggested retail price is US$399, notably lower than its high-end rivals - Facebook’s Oculus Rift (US$599) and HTC’s Vive (US$799).
“I think this is very nicely priced,” Bob O’Donnell, founder and chief analyst at Technalysis Research, told CNBC’s “The Rundown” on Thursday.
“The other big thing, with PlayStation VR, is it works with the 40 million PlayStation 4s that are already out there. That’s another huge advantage because when you talk about the Vive, the Oculus Rift, you have got to get a high-end personal computer that most people don’t have.”
To use the PS VR, users would need a PS4, PlayStation Camera and PlayStation Move motion controller set up; however, most games can still be played using Sony’s DualShock 4 wireless controllers, according to Sony.
The headset comes with a free demo disc that contains several playable game demos. Users can also download the Playroom VR, which is a collection of six VR games created for the PS VR. In a March blog post, Sony said more than 230 developers, from smaller independent teams to larger studios, were building content for the PS VR.
IDC’s research manager for consumer, gaming and mobile entertainment, Lewis Ward, reckoned there were three key pillars for companies to differentiate from their competitors: The technology, the games and other entertainment content, and the social services surrounding both the technology and content.